July 1, 2026
Australia already charges the highest student visa fees in the world. A further 25 per cent increase does not simply add to the cost of studying here – it entrenches Australia's position as the most expensive destination for international students.
The decision comes at precisely the wrong time. Australia is facing intensifying global competition for talent, while universities work to diversify student recruitment from new and emerging markets.
At a time when countries in our region and in Europe are removing barriers and actively competing for top students, Australia is moving in the opposite direction by making entry more expensive and less attractive.
The international education market is already showing signs of softening. At a time of economic uncertainty and global instability, Australia should be strengthening its competitive position, not weakening it. International education contributes more than $50 billion annually to the Australian economy and remains our largest services export.
Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said:
"International students are much more than just an export industry. They are a core part of Australia's future skilled workforce – particularly in areas of shortage like health, engineering and advanced technologies. They make a major contribution to our society, our diplomacy and our economic prosperity."
"They are future nurses, engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs and business leaders. They strengthen our economy, our research capability, our workforce and our international relationships."
"Every major competitor nation understands that attracting talented students is an investment in future economic growth and national capability. Australia increasingly appears to view them as a revenue source."
"The risk is not short term. If talented students choose Canada, the UK, Europe, Singapore or emerging destinations instead of Australia, those relationships, skills and research connections are lost for decades. Once market share and reputation are lost, rebuilding them is difficult and costly."
"Australia cannot continue to claim it wants the world's best and brightest while simultaneously making itself the world's most expensive destination to enter."
"This is not just a visa fee increase. It is a direct hit to Australia's competitiveness, skills pipeline and international standing."
